History repeats itself for the Sharjah Cricket Council as it prepares to host the 40th edition of the 50-over Bukhatir League from March 12.

It was four decades ago that Abdulrahman Bukhatir, patron of cricket in the UAE, started the tournament, which is now the most historic and prestigious league in the country.

Originally played on the Sharjah cement wickets, Bukhatir himself was the captain of the Sharjah Club when he founded the league and his former team have since lifted the trophy a record 14 times.

In 1981 the tournament shifted to the world famous Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which currently holds the Guinness World Record for hosting the highest number of one-day internationals, and has been held at the venue ever since.

“I'm proud of what my father has achieved and happy to see this tournament grow each year and reach this level. It has been held non-stop since it made a humble start way back in 1973-74,” said Waleed Bukhatir, Vice Chairman of SCC.

“The tournament this year will have 20 teams participating at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium,” he added.

The teams include: Farooq CC, Multiplex CC, Seven Seas, Lanka Lions, Team Interface, Emirates Group Cricket Team, Wings SRT CC, Grand Midwest, UBL, Alubond, Danube Lions, Ibsons, Phoenix Medicine, Emirates Cricket Board, Al Faraa, Yogi Group, New Medical Centre, William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana, Dubai Lions and Cost Cutter CC.